Block Blast! is a casual puzzle game by Hungry Studio, released in September, 2022, and it continues to dominate the market pulling in over 600K+ daily downloads according to AppMagic.
The game features a drag, match, and eliminate gameplay mechanic, paired with simple visuals. But what exactly makes it so appealing?
Let’s take a look at its design.
Multi-Core Gameplay
The game engages players through three distinct gameplay cores: Casual mode serves as the primary experience, offering highscore challenges with Dynamic Difficulty Adjustment to keep players engaged. The Adventure mode introduces an objective-based progression system, where players compete across multiple levels to win trophies, fostering long-term retention. And lastly, a hidden third core, a Tetris-like highscore challenge, is tucked away in the settings, adding an extra layer of gameplay variety. This multi-layered approach effectively caters to different player motivations, preventing fatigue and ensuring sustained engagement.
Player-Centric Design
As a casual-first game, this prioritizes experience equity by ensuring accessibility and seamless gameplay. Engaging feedback loops—including satisfying combos, flashy visual effects, and achievements—keep players engaged and invested. Additionally, the game supports flexible play sessions, allowing players to leave mid-game without losing progress, eliminating commitment anxiety and making drop-in, drop out friendly for a stress free gaming experience.
Ads Only Monetization
The game completely forgoes IAPs—not even offering an ad removal option. Instead, it relies on a carefully balanced ad-based monetization model. Banner ads are subtly placed, while interstitials appear at level ends, ensuring they don’t interfere with gameplay. RV ads offer revival opportunities, though they are not always available, preventing over-reliance and maintaining challenge integrity. This thoughtful ad strategy monetizes effectively without frustrating players, reinforcing long-term retention.
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Original Post: Kavindu Priyanath-LinkedIn
